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If we are focusing on the bright side of it, whole milk is nice food for babies, in that it comes with nutrients that are important for the healthy development of babies. Calcium, for instance, is a necessity for babies, and whole milk provides that and more. But yes, things go sideways, and it is no news that there are babies who get fussy after a switch to whole milk.
The thing is such fussiness isn’t out of place, given the fact that, as humans, our systems react in different ways to new foods. But the truth remains that many babies with milk problems tend to stay on formula past one year of age, so as to be sure if they are getting balanced nutrition.
If you happen to have a baby who gets fussy from taking whole milk but does well with solid foods, then you may simply want to consider certain alternatives such as oat milk, coconut milk, rice milk, amidst others. Although this switch to alternative milks is best considered when your baby is around 18 months of age.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some babies tend to have their formula for as long as a year and few months, and any attempt to shortcut the process to whole milk often results in fussiness. So after, say 18 months, you can transition to a milk based formula for just a month, and thereafter, you could delve into whole milk.
Above all, slow and steady does it. You don’t rush your baby with new foods. Milk constipates, give it time and give it more time. You can as well try feeding him whole milk in little quantity. And if after everything, there’s still no improvement, then subscribe to alternatives. But as always, ensure you get the express permission of your Pediatrician.
Soy Milk For Babies
Plant-based kinds of milk are common alternatives for normal cow’s milk and are a nice drink for babies and especially adults who have lactose intolerance. But because this talk is for little ones, then we are going to keep it there and go.
Cooked soybeans is what soy milk is made from, and it comes with soy proteins, natural/added sugars, and fiber. Although the nutritional composition is a function of what brand it is, a 4-ounce glass of soy milk usually contains up to 40 calories, 3-4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat, and a half gram of sugar.
Soy milk also does come with minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iron- all of which are necessary nutrients your baby requires for healthy growth.
Can Babies Drink Soy Milk?
If your baby is yet to have his first birthday, then drinks such as whole milk, soy milk, and any other plant-based kinds of milk, are not great ideas. The best you can give to your baby in the first twelve months of his life is breast milk or formula – you could only introduce a little water after they start solid foods.
Whole milk contains a lot of proteins and minerals that are usually too enormous for the babies’ systems to handle. Equally, lots of plant-based milks are also doing very well at supplying the necessary nutrients babies need to move on early in life.
While physicians recommend that babies under the age of 1-5 should major on cow’s milk and water, soy milk is a reasonable alternative to cow’s milk, because of course, it is a nutritional equal.
You only want to make sure that the soy milk your baby has is both fortified and unsweetened. And like we have pointed out earlier in this content, soy milk is a fabulous alternative for babies who have a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance.
Whole Milk Vs Soy Milk For Babies
With the exception of certain fortified soy milks, experts posit that whole milk contains more nutrients, in cup comparison, than plant-based milk like soy milk. Here’s a maths : a cup of whole milk contains 149 calories, and about 7-8 grams of protein. Compare that with the 105 calories and 6 grams of protein in soy milk.
In addition, whole milk has more fat and sugar. While a cup of soy milk contains roughly 3.5 grams of fat, and 9 grams of sugar, whole milk has 8 grams of fat, and 12 grams of sugar.
When it comes to vitamins and minerals, though, soy milk has a higher calcium content. As it contains 300 milligrams of calcium, and 298 milligrams of potassium. Whereas, a cup of whole milk contains 276 milligrams of calcium, and 322 milligrams of potassium.
Can A Baby With Dairy Allergy Take Soy Milk Instead?
If your baby happens to suffer from milk allergy, or lactose intolerance, a form of sugar present in milk and dairy products, then a fortified soy milk makes sense, if she’s over a year of age.
But keep in mind that, different brands of soy milk can have different nutritional makeups, which is why it is advisable that you keep an eye on the nutritional composition of the brand of soy that you are buying. Recommendations from your paediatrician or dietitian are also key.
What Is Oat Milk?
Oat milk is a quite popular dairy-free milk alternative, that’s also free of vegan. The process of making it is as simple as what it is.
All you need to do is to soak and blend steel-cut or rolled oats with water, then strain them via cheesecloth, where you separate the milk from the oats. Oat milk comes with nutrients that help your baby grow healthily and fit for daily activities. Calcium, potassium, iron, vitamins A and D, are most of the minerals oat milk comes with.
What makes oat milk stand out derives from the fact that it is free of the diverse allergens present in other milks. And yes, oat milk has beta glucans, a soluble fiber that benefits the health of the heart.
Baby Fussy After Switching To Whole Milk
Some baby becomes fussy after switching to whole milk. This is not unconnected with the fact that babies react differently to whole milk, so it is not out of place. All you need do is to substitute the whole milk for other types of milk such as coconut milk, rice milk, oat milk, or soy milk, But of course, it should be with the permission of your Paediatrician.
